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A trip to the nursery may be all it takes to decide what plants to grow in your landscape, but nothing replaces a well-thought-out plan. It can save you money, it can save you time later spent in the garden, and it can create a landscape that blends well together and is attractive throughout the year. To help you select plants for the landscape, several components should be considered. Once your selections are made, measure and execute your plan on paper so you can make changes before making any purchases.

1

Evaluate the costs and investments of the plants. Annuals are usually inexpensive, but they need to be replaced every year. Perennials are more costly but live for years. Shrubs and trees are excellent investments because they can last for generations, though you need to dig a bit deeper in your pockets to afford them, especially if they are large. Bulbous plants usually multiply in time, and you can plan to grow them in different areas of your property as the years progress.

2

Narrow your list of plants down to the ones that grow well in your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone, which is based on winter low temperatures. Use Sunset climate zones to help you find plants that also grow well during your summers. If you live in a coastal region, choose plants that tolerate salt spray, if necessary. In high-wind areas, select plants that can tolerate such conditions. The amount of direct sunlight in your landscape also influences plant selection, because plants require different amounts of sunlight to thrive.

3

Take note on when different plants bloom and what colors, so that you can grow a colorful landscape for as many months as possible. Note which shrubs and trees are deciduous. The leaves of some shrubs and trees take on a bronze or reddish color during cooler weather, and winter berries can brighten up the landscape during what can be a drab time of year, especially in cooler zones. The height of plants should also be considered so you can plan to grow your taller plants near the back of a garden area and the smaller ones in front.

4

Consider how much care the plants need to thrive. Drought-tolerant plants require little watering, as do plants native to your area. Native plants also require little, if any, fertilizing because they already thrive in the natural environment near your home. Many annuals require deadheading to bloom proficiently, and many shrubs require regular prunings. If you do not want to spend too much time in the garden, these types of plants are probably not a good choice.

5

Picture the landscape at full maturity. You need to provide enough space for trees, shrubs and other plants to grow and flourish. Some can be pruned to keep the size down, but others cannot. Consider any overhead wires, as well as other structures. Limbs and roots can sometimes wreak havoc on permanent structures. Planting a large tree next to the house right beneath electrical wires is not a wise idea. Trees may eventually block a window of your home, which may or may not be want you want.

Tip

Take walks through nearby neighborhoods to look at other landscapes. Take pictures for ideas and to identify plants that you want to consider for your own property. Do this each season if you can, before moving forward with your own plan.

About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.